The 21st Century offers diverse opportunities and challenges for an SLP within a global society. Choose one or two areas of interest from the following list and discuss how the field of Speech Language Pathology can be incorporated within your chosen area of interest; what you believe you can contribute, and what you need to learn as a graduate student to prepare for the evolution of the field. Areas of Interest:
Technology
Cultural diversity
Bilingualism — English language learners
African American English
Longevity and aging of America
Medical and educational supports to newborns and families
Expanding scope of practice in education
Augmentative communication
Academic success (written oral communication of literacy across the curriculum)
Medical advance
Higher and longer survival rates with disease and trauma
Cochlear implants
Sample Answer
The 21st century indeed presents fascinating intersections for Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) with global societal shifts. I'll focus on two interconnected areas of interest: Cultural Diversity and Longevity and Aging of America, discussing how SLP can be incorporated, my potential contributions, and what I need to learn as a graduate student.
Area of Interest: Cultural Diversity
The increasing globalization and migration patterns mean that SLPs are more frequently working with individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This presents both a challenge and an immense opportunity to provide equitable and effective care.
How SLP Can Be Incorporated: SLPs are crucial in ensuring that communication assessment and intervention are culturally and linguistically sensitive. This means:
Differentiating Difference from Disorder: Understanding typical communication development within various cultural contexts is paramount to avoid misdiagnosis. What might be considered a "disorder" in one culture could be a typical communication pattern in another (e.g., direct vs. indirect communication styles, comfort with eye contact, narrative structures).